A report published in the national press this week has put Glastonbury under the spotlight, focusing on tensions between local residents and an increasing number of van dwellers in the town.

The article, written by South West News Service and distributed to regional and national media, describes concerns from some locals who claim the rise in vehicle dwellers has led to problems with waste, crime, and anti-social behaviour.

In the article, some residents accused them of dumping rubbish, creating unsanitary conditions, and engaging in drug-related activity. Others, however, argue that a lack of facilities and support is making life harder for those living in vehicles, and that simply moving people on isn't a real solution.

One local resident, Ben Anderson, claimed: "One woman who drives a BMW, I've sat and watched her in my office and she's clearly a drug dealer. I've seen her come round the back of her caravan, squat down into a bucket and pour the poo into the street."

Another Glastonbury local, who has asked for anonymity, said: "We did an event here in summer last year, and there were three guys walking down past us with a machete. A lot of our members bring kids – it's obviously not safe."

However, those living in vehicles say they feel unfairly blamed and that there is a lack of services to help them live safely and cleanly. Deej McCloud, who lives in a vehicle, said: "I want the public to see us as an asset, not a nuisance. What the authorities have done at the moment is create an 'us and them'. Moving us on isn't solving the problems."

Some locals say the problem isn't just about van dwellers and that litter and anti-social behaviour are wider issues.

Ron Brown, a Glastonbury resident, said: "There's a litter problem everywhere. It's not just travellers, and the council has a responsibility to keep it clean."

Police and council response

Somerset Council responded to the concerns, saying:

"Somerset Council and Avon and Somerset Police do work together with landowners and our communities, as necessary, to tackle anti-social behaviour when it's reported. Over the past five years much work has been done by the council and partners, and this continues, funded by the Town Deal, a Government initiative. It includes:

• Support for roadside and vehicle dwelling communities, including housing advice.
• Working towards development of a traveller site or sites both permanent and transit, as an Enabling Project in the Town Investment Plan.
• Where necessary, Highways schemes on the roads around the Tor to prevent overnight parking and unauthorised encampments, as well as enforcement on the site of the Zig Zag building and neighbouring trading estates."

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police added: "We work closely with Somerset Council, landowners and communities to tackle anti-social behaviour in Glastonbury. We urge people to report any incidents either to the council or the police."

The issue has now gained national attention, but what do you think? Have you noticed a change? Is the situation as bad as reported, or is there another side to the story?

Let us know your thoughts